AMD Ryzen 3 30 vs AMD Ryzen Embedded 9900X Comparison

FAQ

Q: How do the core counts differ between the AMD Ryzen 3 30 and the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9900X?

A: The Ryzen 3 30 is a 4-core, 8-thread processor, while the Ryzen Embedded 9900X is a 12-core, 24-thread processor. This gives the Embedded part a 3x advantage in both core and thread counts.

Q: Which processor has the higher clock speeds?

A: The Ryzen Embedded 9900X has a base clock of 4.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.60 GHz. The Ryzen 3 30 has a base clock of 2.40 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. The Embedded part is substantially faster on both metrics.

Q: What are the cache configurations of these two chips?

A: The Ryzen 3 30 has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ryzen Embedded 9900X has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 64 MB of L3 cache.

Q: Do these processors support ECC memory?

A: The Ryzen Embedded 9900X supports ECC memory, while the Ryzen 3 30 does not support ECC memory.

Q: What process nodes are used for each chip?

A: The Ryzen 3 30 is built on a 6 nm process node, while the Ryzen Embedded 9900X is built on a 4 nm process node. Both are fabricated by TSMC.

Q: What are the PCIe capabilities of each processor?

A: The Ryzen 3 30 provides PCIe Gen 3 with 4 lanes (CPU only), while the Ryzen Embedded 9900X provides PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes (CPU only).

Where Each One Wins

The data reveals two processors aimed at entirely different usage profiles. The Ryzen 3 30, with its 15 W TDP and mobile market segment, is positioned for power-constrained environments. Its benchmark results show a single-thread score of 2465 and a multithread score of 9027, which are meaningful figures for a low-power chip. The Ryzen Embedded 9900X, by contrast, carries a 120 W TDP and targets desktop embedded workloads. Its 12 cores and 24 threads with a 5.60 GHz boost clock indicate a design built for sustained multi-threaded throughput.

The Ryzen 3 30 wins in the efficiency-focused category. Its 15 W TDP versus the 120 W TDP of the Embedded part represents an 8x difference in power envelope. The mobile processor also uses LPDDR5 memory, which is optimized for lower power consumption. The Embedded 9900X wins in raw capability categories: it has triple the cores and threads, a much larger L3 cache (64 MB versus 4 MB), and a faster memory bandwidth rating (89.6 GB/s versus 88.0 GB/s).

The Embedded processor also wins on platform connectivity. It supports PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes, whereas the Ryzen 3 30 is limited to PCIe Gen 3 with 4 lanes. For workloads that require high-bandwidth peripherals or multiple expansion devices, this is a decisive advantage.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The Ryzen 3 30 uses the Zen 2 architecture with the Mendocino codename, while the Ryzen Embedded 9900X uses the Zen 5 architecture with the Granite Ridge codename. This generational gap is significant: Zen 5 represents a major IPC and feature advancement over Zen 2.

The process nodes differ as well. The Ryzen 3 30 is fabricated on a 6 nm node, while the Ryzen Embedded 9900X uses a 4 nm node, both from TSMC. The smaller node for the Embedded part allows for higher transistor density and better power efficiency at higher clock speeds.

The die configuration also differs substantially. The Ryzen 3 30 has a die size of 100 mm², while the Ryzen Embedded 9900X uses a dual-die design with 2x 70.6 mm². The Embedded processor contains 16,630 million transistors, a figure not recorded for the Ryzen 3 30.

Cache hierarchies are architecturally distinct. The Ryzen 3 30 has 64 KB L1 per core and 512 KB L2 per core, typical of the Zen 2 generation. The Ryzen Embedded 9900X has 80 KB L1 per core and 1 MB L2 per core, reflecting the Zen 5 design. The L3 cache difference is particularly stark: 4 MB shared on the Ryzen 3 30 versus 64 MB on the Embedded part.

Memory support also differs. The Ryzen 3 30 uses LPDDR5, while the Ryzen Embedded 9900X uses DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The Embedded processor supports ECC memory, which the mobile chip does not. This makes the Embedded part suitable for reliability-critical workloads.

Specification Differences

The socket types differ completely. The Ryzen 3 30 uses AMD Socket FT6, a mobile-oriented socket, while the Ryzen Embedded 9900X uses AMD Socket AM5, a desktop and workstation socket.

The Ryzen 3 30 has a TDP of 15 W, while the Ryzen Embedded 9900X has a TDP of 120 W. Clock speeds differ by 2.00 GHz at base (4.40 GHz versus 2.40 GHz) and 1.50 GHz at boost (5.60 GHz versus 4.10 GHz).

Core and thread counts differ by 8 cores and 16 threads, with the Embedded part having 12 cores and 24 threads versus 4 cores and 8 threads on the mobile chip. The L3 cache differs by 60 MB. The process node differs by 2 nm.

The Ryzen Embedded 9900X has an unlocked multiplier, while the Ryzen 3 30 does not. The Embedded part has a part number of 100-000000662E, while the Ryzen 3 30 has an unknown part number.

The integrated graphics differ: the Ryzen 3 30 uses Radeon 610M, while the Ryzen Embedded 9900X uses a generic Radeon Graphics solution.

Market segments are different: the Ryzen 3 30 is classified as Mobile, and the Ryzen Embedded 9900X is classified as Desktop. Both processors are listed as Active in production status. The Ryzen Embedded 9900X belongs to the 9000 series, while the Ryzen 3 30 has no listed series.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Direct head-to-head benchmark comparisons are not available in the database for these two processors. The Ryzen Embedded 9900X has no recorded benchmark entries, and the head-to-head table is empty.

The Ryzen 3 30 does have a full set of recorded PassMark benchmarks. Its multithread score is 9027, its single-thread score is 2465, and its floating point math score is 14448. The integer math score is 29846, and the data compression score is 135834. The data encryption score is 6461, and the extended instructions score is 6075. The physics score is 436, and the random string sorting score is 14431. The find prime numbers score is 20.

The average benchmark score for the Ryzen 3 30 is 20137, placing it in the 74th percentile of all CPUs in the database. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core Ultra 7 165U with an average score of 20249 (0.6% higher), the Intel Core i7-9700K with an average score of 20271 (0.7% higher), the AMD EPYC 7713P with an average score of 20024 (0.6% lower), and the Intel Core i7-11800H with an average score of 19998 (0.7% lower).

The Ryzen Embedded 9900X has an average benchmark score of 0 and sits in the 50th percentile, which reflects the absence of recorded benchmark data rather than actual performance. Its nearest rivals list is empty.

Without benchmark data for the Embedded part, a direct numerical comparison is impossible. However, the architectural and specification data provide a clear qualitative picture. The Embedded processor has a 5.60 GHz boost clock, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 64 MB of L3 cache. The mobile chip has a 4.10 GHz boost clock, 4 cores, 8 threads, and 4 MB of L3 cache. The Embedded part is designed for substantially higher throughput, while the Ryzen 3 30 is designed for efficiency within a 15 W envelope.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to two different purchasing decisions based on workload requirements. The Ryzen 3 30 is the appropriate choice for mobile or power-sensitive applications. Its 15 W TDP, LPDDR5 memory support, and compact 100 mm² die make it suitable for thin-and-light devices. Its benchmark results show a functional processor that competes closely with mainstream mobile and older desktop parts, as indicated by its nearest rival deltas of less than 1% in either direction.

The Ryzen Embedded 9900X is the appropriate choice for desktop embedded workloads that require maximum compute capability. Its 12 cores, 24 threads, 5.60 GHz boost clock, and 64 MB L3 cache indicate a processor built for demanding multi-threaded tasks. The 120 W TDP, DDR5 memory support, ECC capability, and PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes confirm its positioning as a high-end embedded platform processor.

The Ryzen 3 30 delivers a single-thread score of 2465, which suggests adequate performance for lighter workloads. The Embedded part, with its much higher clock speeds and newer Zen 5 architecture, should deliver meaningfully higher single-thread performance, though no direct measurement exists in the database.

For users who prioritize power efficiency and mobile operation, the Ryzen 3 30 is the only viable option given its market segment and 15 W TDP. For users who prioritize raw throughput, expansion capability, and memory bandwidth, the Ryzen Embedded 9900X is the clear choice based on its core count, clock speeds, cache size, and PCIe Gen 5 support.

The absence of benchmark data for the Embedded processor means the database cannot yet confirm its performance ranking. The architectural advantages are clear, but quantitative verification requires recorded measurements. The Ryzen 3 30, by contrast, has confirmed performance data placing it in the 74th percentile of all CPUs, with an average score of 20137.